Get ready for a thrilling showdown in the WNBA! The Phoenix Mercury are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 season, and their matchups against the Connecticut Sun could be a game-changer. But here's where it gets interesting: while the Mercury are a powerhouse, the Sun are no pushovers—they’re a rising force with something to prove. Let’s dive into what makes this rivalry so compelling.
The Phoenix Mercury, a perennial WNBA contender, came tantalizingly close to another championship last season. Now, they’re hungry to reclaim their spot in the Finals. Their journey begins with a challenging season series, where they’ll face both seasoned rivals and emerging teams. Among these is the Connecticut Sun, an Eastern Conference squad that gave the Mercury a run for their money last year.
In their 2025 meetings, Phoenix took the series 2-1, but it wasn’t without drama. After the Mercury secured the first two wins, the Sun fought back, clinching an 87-84 victory in the final game. This is the part most people miss: Connecticut’s resilience in that game showcased their potential, even with a 11-33 season record. They’re rebuilding, and their determination to avoid a sweep last year hints at a team on the rise.
In that decisive game, Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 18 points, complemented by two rebounds and a steal. Meanwhile, the Sun’s Alyssa Thomas delivered a standout performance with 14 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, and two steals. Sami Whitcomb and Satou Sabally also contributed significantly, with 13 and 11 points, respectively. But here’s the controversial take: Could the Sun’s young core outpace the Mercury’s veteran lineup in 2026? It’s a bold question, but one worth considering.
Looking ahead, the Mercury will host the Sun in their first two matchups of the season, both in July, before heading to Connecticut for the final game. While Phoenix is favored to win the series, history suggests it won’t be a sweep. The Sun’s tenacity could easily tip the scales in their favor, especially if they’ve strengthened during the offseason.
Phoenix dominated most Eastern Conference teams last season, with one notable exception: the Atlanta Dream, who swept them. The upcoming season offers the Mercury a chance to redeem themselves, starting with their series against the Sun. If they can secure wins here, they’ll solidify their path to success.
What do you think? Can the Connecticut Sun pull off an upset, or will the Phoenix Mercury assert their dominance? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to follow us on X for more insights into the Mercury’s 2026 season and their matchups with the Sun—click here to stay updated: https://x.com/MercuryOnSI.
